BY GRACE YE ARE SAVED .

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

FEBRUARY 16

 

Ephesians 2:5

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened

us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

 
What a mercy to be saved!
 
To be saved by mere favour!
 
But our salvation from first to last is of grace.
 
It originated in the mind of God. before time began;
and it will be completed before the throne of God,
when time shall be no more.
 
We are chosen to salvation-chosen in Christ:
and this choice of our persons was eternal,
        -sovereign,
               -immutable.
 
Election gave us a name in God’s book,
an interest in the Saviour’s undertaking, and
 a part in the saints’ inheritance.
 
We are redeemed from among men, and this is a favour.
 
In redemption,
    a price is paid for us,
         power is exerted to rescue us, and
               a plea is put into our mouths.
 
We are called to God’s kingdom and glory, and
this is a favour: it is personal, powerful, effectual.
 
Calling gives us a new life, a spiritual taste, and
an evidence of interest in all covenant blessings.
 
We are kept by the power of God, and this is a favour.
 
Prevented from being overcome by foes, crushed by dangers, 

and from apostatizing from the faith; and 

this proves that we are appointed to salvation.
 
If salvation is a favour, then the vilest may receive it; and
all the glory of it from the first to last must be the Lord’s
 

Salvation is a favour God bestows,

Through Jesu’s blood on alien and foes;

By sovereign grace, to make his glory known

He raises sinner to surround his throne.

 
James Smith